M2M specialist Telit says one of its new modules has won the approval of Sprint for use on the operator’s US cellular network.

Telit (London, UK) says the new CE910-DUAL cellular M2M module is ideal for embedded applications requiring easy integration, but also suited to platforms based on Windows and Linux operating systems.

The manufacturer reckons it is particularly appropriate for applications such as vending, tracking, smart metering and telematics.

News of the deal follows the announcement by Sprint (Overland Park, KS, USA) that it would continue to maintain its CDMA-based 2G networks for use with M2M applications.

Rivals including AT&T and Verizon Wireless have announced plans to shut down their 2G networks and migrate all traffic to 3G and 4G systems over the next few years.

However, a number of analysts think 2G technology is more appropriate to M2M services given the lower costs involved and because many applications do not require access to high-speed connectivity.

“Sprint plans to maintain our CDMA 1xRTT network capability for the long term as part of our overall Network Vision strategy,” said Wayne Ward, the vice president of Sprint’s M2M Group.

“We have been working with Telit for several years as a Sprint preferred provider and one of the leading module suppliers to the M2M industry and believe their xE910 form factor makes it easy for customers to deploy on either the EV-DO or 1xRTT CDMA Sprint networks,” he said.